Liverpool maintained their push for the Premier League title by beating relegation strugglers Watford 2-0 at Anfield in Saturday’s early kick off.
Jurgen Klopp’s side began the encounter lacking intensity and Roy Hodgson’s Hornets looked like they could hurt the home side on the counter-attack. After getting in behind the Reds defense on a couple of occasions Juraj Kucka found himself clean through on goal down the left, but the Slovakia international’s effort was brilliantly saved by Liverpool ‘keeper Alisson.
A minute later and Watford would be immediately punished for not taking that golden opportunity, with in-form Portuguese attacker Diogo Jota putting Liverpool ahead. It was the stand in for Trent Alexander Arnold, Joe Gomez who would be the creator, the 24-year-old’s superb cross from the right expertly headed home at the near post by Jota.
Liverpool were far from their best throughout, but at this stage of the season it’s all about getting the win, and they would seal the three points on 89 minutes. The Reds were awarded a penalty after Jota was pulled back in the area by Kucka and the ever reliable Fabinho stepped up to fire home from the spot.
Today’s win sees Liverpool go two points ahead of rivals Man City at the top of the table, although Pep Guardiola’s charges will regain top spot if they beat Burnley at Turf Moor this afternoon. Speaking after the game Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was pleased with his sides showing against a well-organized opponent.
“I really think it was a performance there in the right moments. The first goal was really nice play,” Klopp told BBC Sport.
“Credit to Watford and to Roy. He can really organise the team. Everybody knew what place he had to close to make it difficult.
“We could have done better but after two weeks not together and the early kick-off it’s really tricky. But all teams have the same problems.
“I don’t think after the international break I ever see the best game of the season.
“We were very mature and very controlled.”
